PrEP

PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis involves HIV negative people taking HIV medication called Truvada as a method of helping to prevent HIV infection.

Recent research has shown that if taken correctly, Truvada is highly effective at preventing HIV infection.

It does not protect against any other STI, only HIV. You need to take other precautions in addition to PrEP to protect yourself from all other STIs. We recommend regular STI testing if you are on PrEP. You should have an HIV test every 3 month.

How to take PrEP

There are 2 ways of taking PrEP (based on 2 European studies):

PROUD study1

One tablet every 24 hours.

IPERGAY trial2

Event-based dosing for a single sex act comprises two tablets 2–24 hours before sex, one tablet 24 hours (22–26 hours) after the first dose, and another tablet 48 hours (46–50 hours) after the first dose.

This regimen is not recommended for vaginal sex.

Unfortunately, the cost of PrEP medicines is not currently covered by the NHS. However we can provide free advice and monitoring in any of our routine sexual health appointments.

NHS PrEP trial

All Northern Sexual Health sites are currently involved in the Impact PrEP trial. Due to limited places available for the service several sites are now closed to further recruitment but will continue to monitor and follow up trial participants. To find out if there are still places available at each site please contact the following numbers :

Hathersage : 0161 701 1504

Stockport : 0161 204 5884: Closed to recruitment

Tameside : 0161 342 7101: Closed to recruitment

Trafford : 0161 241 7582: Closed to recruitment

Withington : 0161 217 3318

North Manchester : 0161 918 4263

Please note due to longstanding overwhelming demand, places cannot be guaranteed onto this trial. Please bear with staff as they try to get recruitment for the trial off the ground.

Non trial PrEP

If you are taking PrEP bought online we can arrange ongoing monitoring at each clinic.

We would recommend that we see you every 3 months and you have the following tests:

HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing

A urine test to look for protein

A blood test to monitor your kidneys every year

We can also discuss any vaccines we can offer you and give you advice on how to take the medication and cope with any problems.